Former ferry director joins Assembly race

Bob Doll, former director of the Alaska Marine Highway System, and Mara Early, chairwoman of the Juneau Coalition for Youth, filed their nomination papers with the city Thursday afternoon.

Doll, 69, last ran for public office in 2004 for Alaska House District 4 as a Democrat. He lost to incumbent Republican Rep. Bruce Weyhrauch.

"Many issues Juneau will face will require strong leadership on the Assembly," said Doll, who served in the U.S. Navy for 30 years. "I have a strong interest in serving and I think my professional background qualifies me to address those issues."

Doll, a member of the city's Social Services Advisory Board, said he will focus on such issues as building a second bridge across Gastineau Channel, developing Juneau's waterfront and providing affordable housing.

Early, an adviser for Juneau-Douglas High School's student government, said she will work with businesses and individuals to draw young adults to Juneau.

"It is important to the economy," Early said. "The largest bloc of workers are between 40 and 49, the smallest is between 20 and 24. When the people in their 40s retire, we need young people to fill the positions."

Early, who had already announced her candidacy, said she will work with the city and the community to create new housing and job opportunities for young people.

So far, three people have filed their nomination papers with the city.

Jonathan Anderson, director of the University of Alaska Southeast's public administration master's program, is running for a District 2 Mendenhall Valley seat. Stan Ridgeway currently holds the seat.

Nobody has filed for the District 1 downtown area seat, currently taken by Merrill Sanford. Sanford said he will run for re-election and just hasn't filed with the city yet.

Two positions are available on the Juneau School Board.

While Robert Van Slyke said he wouldn't run for re-election, Rhonda Befort said she hasn't decided yet.

Margo Waring is the only person who has filed with the city for a School Board seat.